Small Nations, Big Wins! ICC 2024 Awards Winners Will Blow Your Mind

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the 2024 ICC Development Awards. These awards celebrate countries that are helping cricket grow around the world.

There were seven categories this year, and eight countries won awards. The winners are from Bhutan, Indonesia, Namibia, Nepal, Scotland, Tanzania, the USA, and Vanuatu.

1. Namibia – Development Initiative of the Year

Namibia won for its “Kwata Mini-Cricket Programme,” which teaches cricket in schools. Many students across the country are now learning cricket during their physical education classes.

2. Bhutan & Vanuatu – Female Cricket Initiative of the Year

Bhutan won for holding school cricket matches for girls, helping many play cricket for the first time.

Vanuatu won for giving training to female players who were working in Australia, combining work and sports.

3. USA – Men’s Team Performance of the Year

In the T20 World Cup, the USA squad shocked everyone by defeating Pakistan and making it to the Super Eight round. This brought a lot of attention to cricket in the United States.

4. Scotland – Women’s Team Performance of the Year

Scotland’s women’s team qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time. For Scottish women's cricket, this is a significant moment.

5. Nepal – Digital Fan Engagement of the Year

Nepal succeeded because of their strong online presence. They reached 117 million people through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In one year, they gained over 420,000 new followers.

6. Indonesia – Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Award

Indonesia launched a programme called “Cricket for Confidence.” It gave girls in rural areas a chance to play cricket, many for the first time in their lives.

 7. Tanzania – Criiio Festival of the Year

Tanzania held a cricket festival for women called “From kitchen to crease.” It included housewives, working women, and ex-players, encouraging more women to enjoy the game.

ICC Chair Jay Shah said the winners have shown great passion and hard work. He congratulated all and said these awards help shine a light on how cricket is growing in new parts of the world.

These awards show how cricket is becoming more popular in many countries, thanks to the efforts of players, coaches, and fans.